8 Glam Ways to Wear Your Ponytail

Rock the cheerleader pony.

You don’t have to have spirit fingers or carry pom-poms to try this ponytail DO. Freida Pinto looks fresh and sophisticated with this simple slicked-back high ponytail. For a bump-free top, try spraying a bristle brush with hairspray before combing hair back to tame kinks and flyaways. Turn up the volume on this classic style like Pinto does on the red carpet with sexy black liner and pretty pink lips.

Photo: Wireimage

Try a messy braid.

Kate Hudson embodies the comfortable-chic look, and her pony is no exception—a messy braid with loose layers in the front works with her bohemian style. To amp up the glam factor, try adding a little volume at the top by teasing the crown like Hudson does here.

Photo: Wireimage

Tie up your tail.

This look is as easy as it is glamorous. “The front of the hair gives the impression of a chignon,” says Barex style-team leader Odile Gilbert about this slicked-back look, “But the back is a ponytail.” Start by giving your hair a side part and running a pomade, like Barex Gum Gum, through to define and smooth flyaways, then secure the pony near the top of the head with an elastic. Gilbert attaches the ponytail to the nape of the neck by threading elastic string through both sections, but you can use two large bobby pins for the same effect. Finish with a shine spray to keep your pony looking sleek.

Keep it cute and curly.

Jordana Brewster is sweet yet seductive with her slicked-back, curly ponytail and playful fringe. Paired with a baby pink dress and pearly gloss, this ‘do is a winning combo. Ditch your everyday rubber band and opt for a ponytail holder that matches your hair color, like Blax Snag-Free Hair Elastics, for the perfect party look.

Photo: Wireimage

Try the new side pony.

Jewel’s braided ponytail is the perfect look for this recently turned country girl. This fuss-free center part and low-slung side braid are great whether you’re hitting the red carpet or working that girl-next-door weekend vibe.

Photo: Wireimage

Look ballerina chic.

Bumble and Bumble editorial stylist Laurent Philippon created this bad-girl ballerina look at BCBG. To get it, pull hair into a low ponytail and secure with an elastic. Then spritz the tail with Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder to give it some grip and staying power and divide your pony into two sections. Taking one half, twist the hair and coil it around the elastic (as if you were creating a bun) and secure with bobby pins.

Photo: Mark Leibowitz

Hide your elastic.

Hairstylist Kevin Ryan created this chic pony at Jason Wu’s fall 2009 runway show. First, he made a center part, gathered the hair at the nape of the neck and secured it with a bungee hairband from his Rsession Tools Pin-Up Girl Kit for a tight pony. Next, he took a section of the ponytail, made a loop at the end and tied it with a clear elastic to prevent wispy ends. Then he wrapped this piece around the pony and secured it with mini bobby pins—finishing with a shot of hairspray to prevent flyaways. For a step-by-step video, check out Suze Yalof Schwartz’s backstage interview with Ryan at New York Fashion Week.